Health Services

Annual Health Screenings

Tarkington ISD Health Services, under the guidelines of the Texas Department of State Health Services, provides a screening program for vision and hearing for all students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades and students new to the district.  Spinal screening is conducted for girls in 5th grade and 7th grade and boys in 8th grade.  This screening is required by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

 Parents, students, and staff may request a screening at any time. Students who fail the screening will receive a referral notice for further evaluation. A parent/guardian can present proof of vision, hearing, and scoliosis evaluations from private sources, in lieu of this screening.

Local Wellness Plan

Purpose:  To support the strategic plan of Tarkington ISD that every student enters with a promise and exits with a purpose, as it promotes life-long wellness behaviors and links healthy nutrition and exercise to students’ well-being, scholastic performance and readiness to learn.  

• The areas addressed in this plan are: 
• Nutrition education goals
• Physical activity goals
• Other school-based activity goals
• Nutrition standard goals
• Monitoring and evaluation of the wellness plan
• Communication to the public regarding contents and revisions of the plan

Nutrition Education Goals

1.  Schools will provide nutrition education to students, staff, and community. Implementation:

• Teachers will utilize adopted curriculum to support nutrition education.
• Activities and training for staff will provide basic nutrition knowledge and will be designed to promote healthy eating habits.
• Nutrition education will involve sharing information with families and the broader community to positively impact students and the health of the community.
• Students are encouraged to carry water with them on campus at all times in a water bottle or other closed drinking container. Food is only permitted in designated areas on campus, with the exception of classroom parties, snack times or other activities approved by the campus principal.

2.  Nutrition education will include enjoyable, developmentally appropriate lessons in effort to engage students in health and wellness learning.

 Implementation:

• The school cafeteria will display posters to promote healthy eating and display other nutrition education materials.
• Nutrition education includes participatory activities, such as contests, promotions, taste testing, health fairs, culinary programs and/or school gardens.
• Nutrition education will be provided via multiple types of media, such as newsletters, website, social media, and offered in multiple languages and reading levels.

3.  Schools will provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills for needed specific physical activities, which will enable students to maintain and/or improve their physical fitness.

Implementation:

Students are given opportunities for physical activity during the school day through physical education classes, daily recess periods for elementary school students, and the integration of physical activity into the academic curriculum.

Students are given opportunities for physical activity through a range of before- and/or after-school programs including, but not limited to, intramurals, interscholastic athletics, and physical activity clubs.

1.  Schools will help students understand the short- and long-term benefits of physical education and will share information with families and the broader community to positively impact the health of students and the community.

• Schools will implement physical activity that meet current district and state guidelines.
• Education will involve sharing information with families and the broader community to positively impact the health of students and the community.

2. Schools will, at a minimum, adopt and implement state standards for physical activity. Implementation:

• Elementary Students (K-5) must have 135 minutes of physical activity per week.
• Intermediate Students (6-8) must participate in moderate or vigorous activity at least 30 minutes per day for at least four semesters.
• High School Students (9-12) must earn one credit of physical education for graduation requirements.

Other School Based Activity Goals

1. School based activities are encouraged to follow and consider local wellness plan goals. Implementation:

• School meals meeting all USDA and TDA nutrition guidelines will be offered for field trips and other off-site activities if desired.
• School based activities encouraging health and wellness will be offered.
• Health awareness will be promoted through campus events.

2. Schools will serve as a safe learning environment that is conducive to being in good health.

Implementation:

• The school district will encourage the use of non-food items, such as pencils, erasers, stickers, homework passes and markers as rewards, as an alternative to food rewards.
• Support for the health of all students is demonstrated by hosting health clinics/programs and health screening.
• The school district makes drinking fountains available in all schools, so that students can get water at meals and throughout the day.
• Provide opportunities to maintain hand-hygiene.

3. The school district encourages stakeholders to serve as role models in practicing healthy lifestyles.

Implementation:

• The school district will make efforts to keep school or district-owned physical activity facilities, including green spaces and playgrounds open for use by students outside school hours.
• School newsletters, social media, and websites will be used as an avenue for reaching parents and the community for information about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
• Employee Wellness activities and benefits promoting health and wellness are offered to staff, students, and community members annually.

Nutrition Standard Goals

1. All meals and snacks served to students during the school day as part of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, School Supper Program, and Reimbursable Snacks will meet all USDA and TDA guidelines for nutrition standards. Implementation:

• Nutrition & Food Services will follow all USDA and TDA guidelines for meals and snacks served to students.
• At a minimum, the school district will be monitored every five years by the USDA/TDA Administrative Review to ensure regulations are being followed.

2. All foods outside of the above programs sold to students will meet USDA Smart Snacks in Schools and TDA guidelines or be used as one of six exemption days for fundraising per campus per school year.

Implementation:

• All foods sold to students through the school kitchen will meet the Smart Snacks and TDA guidelines.
• All foods sold through snack vending on each campus will meet the Smart Snacks and TDA guidelines.
• Principals will ensure all other foods sold on campus during the school day, outside of the Nutrition & Food Services Department, meet the Smart Snacks and TDA Guidelines.
• Each campus will report fundraiser exemption days to the Food Service Office.
• Food and beverage marketing materials on the school campus during the school day will consist of only those foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards and promote student health and reduce childhood obesity.

3. All foods given away at no charge to students will be approved and monitored by campus principals in collaboration with campus nurses and/or their designees.

Implementation:

• Principals in collaboration with campus nurses will approve and monitor foods given away to students.
• Non-food rewards will be encouraged.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Monitoring of implementation will be coordinated by the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), which is made up of parents, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators, and the general public, and students.

Campus principals will be given an implementation tool to complete and return to the SHAC annually.  Campus principals will work with other campus professionals to collect data and measure implementation.  The local wellness plan will be reviewed annually and revised as needed by the SHAC.  

Communication to the Public

The Tarkington ISD local wellness plan will be available on the Tarkington ISD School Health Advisory Council webpage under Health Services for all students, parents, staff, and community to access.  Revisions made to the plan will also be posted on the website.  

Legal Reference:  Federal Public Law (PL 108.265 Section 204) states that by the first day of the 2006 school year beginning after June 30, 2006, all schools must develop a local wellness policy that involves parents, students, a representative from the School Food Authority, school board, school administrators and the public. The Local Education Authority (LEA) will establish a plan for measuring implementation of the local wellness policy.

Immunization Enrollment Policy

At the time of registration, state law requires that a student present evidence of current immunization or of being in active pursuit of adequate immunization. A student shall show acceptable evidence of vaccination prior to entry, attendance, or transfer to a public or private elementary or secondary school in Texas.

All immunizations should be completed by the first date of attendance. A student may be enrolled provisionally if the student has an immunization record that indicates the student has received at least one dose of each specified age-appropriate vaccine required by this rule. To remain enrolled, the student must complete the required subsequent doses in each vaccine series on schedule and as rapidly as is medically feasible and provide acceptable evidence of vaccination to the school.

A school nurse shall review the immunization status of a provisionally enrolled student every 30 days to ensure continued compliance in completing the required doses of vaccination. If, at the end of the 30-day period, a student has not received a subsequent dose of vaccine, the student is not in compliance and the school shall exclude the student from school attendance until the required dose is administered.

Immunization Exemption

Texas law allows (a) physicians to write medical exemption statements that the vaccine(s) required would be medically harmful or injurious to the health and well-being of the child or household member, and (b) parents/guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.

Instructions for requesting the official exemption affidavit that must be signed by parents/guardians choosing the exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, can be found on the Exemption Information page of this website. This form must be notarized and submitted to the school. These exemptions are good for two years from the date they are notarized.

For children claiming medical exemptions, a written statement by the physician must be submitted to the school. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption statement is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician.

Managing Student Illnesses and Injury

If a student becomes ill during the school day and the school nurse determines that the child should go home, the nurse will contact the parent. Students are not permitted to call their parents for release. When under the care of a physician due to injury, a letter from the physician is required upon the student’s return to school specifying return to school date and any limitation of activity or restrictions. Once released from the physician’s care, a letter from the physician is required which indicates the student is allowed to return to normal activity.

Whether a student returns to class or is excluded will be at the nurse’s discretion.  Reasons for school exclusions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. A temperature of 100°F or greater
2. Skin rash of undetermined origin
3. Draining wound that cannot be adequately covered to prevent spread of possible infection.
4. Vomiting/diarrhea
5. Injury requiring medical attention

The school nurse shall exclude from attendance any student having or suspected of having a communicable condition. Exclusion shall continue until the readmission criteria for the conditions are met as set forth by The Texas Department of State Health Services. The district is required to report certain contagious (communicable) diseases or illnesses to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or our local/regional health authority. For more information please see the School Communicable Disease Chart or contact your campus nurse.

Seizure Management

To address the care of a student with a seizure disorder while at school or participating in a school activity, a parent should submit a seizure management and treatment plan to the district before the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment of the student, or as soon as practicable following a diagnosis of a seizure disorder for the student. For more information, contact the school nurse. A parent who submits a plan must use the Seizure Management and Treatment Plan Form developed by the Texas Education Agency.

Asthma Care

Students diagnosed with asthma should be under the care of a health care provider, and most will be managed with a prescription medication. The school nurse will need to coordinate with the student’s family and health care team about the management of the child’s asthma at school. If your student requires asthma medication to be kept on hand at school throughout the school year, please contact your school nurse.

 Asthma Action Plan

Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Parents should notify the District when a student has been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially those allergies that could result in dangerous or possibly life-threatening reactions either by breathing, eating or touching the particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, as well as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy.

In order for dietary modifications to be made or restrictions placed on a student's account in the cafeteria, the Dietary Modification form must be completed by a physician. The school nurse may also need an emergency care plan signed by a physician, to include in the student's individual healthcare plan. To access the District's food allergy management plan please reach out to your campus nurse or Tiffany Michalik, District RN at tmorgan@tarkingtonisd.net

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan

Dietary Modification Form

 

Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Meningitis caused by bacteria is the most likely form of the disease to cause serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

Bacterial Meningitis

Medication at School

All short term medications (5 days or less) to be administered during the school day must be accompanied by a completed Medication Administration Request Form or written request signed and dated by the parent/guardian and turned in to the school nurse.

All long term medications (more than 5 days) to be administered during the school day must be accompanied by a completed Medication Administration Request Form or written request signed and dated by the prescribing healthcare provider and the parent/guardian.  Physician orders must be renewed each school year.

Medication Authorization Form

Prescription Medications

All prescription medications must be in their original pharmacy container and labeled by the pharmacist. The label must include:

• Student’s name
• Name of prescribing health care provider.
• Name of medication
• Amount of medication to be given and frequency of administration
• Date prescription filled

Non-Prescription Medications

All non-prescription medications must be supplied by the parent/guardian and in their original container.  Parent authorization is valid for 5 days for over the counter and short-term prescription medication.  A written request for administration must contain the following information:

• Student’s name
• Name of medication
• Amount of medication to be given
• When medication is to be given
• Reason medication is to be given
• Date
• Signature of parent/guardian

For more information regarding the district's medication policy, please see the Tarkington ISD Parent/Student handbook.

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)

The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a school board–appointed committee made up of at least five members, the majority of whom must be parents. The SHAC helps the district ensure that local community values guide health education and supports the development of programs that promote student and employee wellness.

The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) duties include:

• Making recommendations regarding physical and mental health curriculum
• Developing strategies for integrating curriculum into a coordinated school health program encompassing issues such as school health services, counseling services, a safe and healthy school environment, recess recommendations, improving student fitness, mental health concerns
• Making recommendations for increasing parents’ awareness of warning signs of suicide and mental health risks and community mental health and suicide prevention services, substance abuse prevention and employee wellness.

For the 2025/2026 school year, the SHAC will meet on the following dates:

• October 3^rd, 2025
• December 5^th, 2025
• April 9^th, 2026
• May 1^st, 2026

For more information, please contact Tiffany Michalik, District RN.

Use of E-Cigarettes and Tobacco on School Property or at School Activities

In accordance with Texas Education Code §38.006, Health and Safety Code §161.081(1-a), and district policy, Tarkington ISD is committed to maintaining a healthy, safe, and drug-free environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

Prohibitions – Tobacco and E-Cigarettes

The District prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or other electronic vaporizing devices on District property, in District vehicles, and at all school-related or school-sanctioned activities, whether held on or off campus.

Use or Possession by Students

The Board strictly prohibits students from smoking, using, or possessing:

• Tobacco products

• E-cigarettes

• Electronic vaporizing devices

at any school-related or school-sanctioned activity, regardless of location.

Definition of E-Cigarette

As defined by Health and Safety Code §161.081(1-a), an "e-cigarette" means:

An electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device, or a consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of the device.

The term includes:

• Any device, regardless of whether it is manufactured, distributed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, or under any other product name or description

• Any component, part, or accessory of such a device, regardless of whether it is sold separately

Enforcement

The Board shall ensure that all district personnel enforce this policy on all school property and at district-sponsored events.

Violations of this policy will be addressed in accordance with:

• Student Code of Conduct [See FOC for disciplinary consequences related to student e-cigarette use]

• Employee Standards of Conduct [See DH]

• Visitor Conduct Policies [See GKD]